The train stopped at L.A. Union Station. Cleo nudged me forward towards the exit and I quickly put on a medical mask to make sure my face was hidden. We walked through a sea of people walking either towards or away from us. Cleo stopped a few times to chat with an officer or two but her son called to her that he was waiting for her outside. We had help from the police to get us through the throng. His son was waiting with a sign that says welcome home mom. She gave him a hug. She gave a quick introduction and a man in a security uniform told us to move along. Both of us followed the kid across the street and got in his car. It was a canary yellow mustang. He drove towards whichever direction his heart told him to. Cleo started back seat driving. I was bored and annoyed so I pretended to pass out in the car. The two happily talked about the usual. Buying groceries to his girlfriend to borrowing money. The usual talk of responsibility and much more. The trip took about an hour to reach her apartment Silhouette. The place was a two room apartment and was decent. I had to admit that it was better arranged than my ex-husband's apartment.
I was given the guest bedroom. The son gave his mom a kiss as he exited. He briefly mentioned a halfway house. I was less interested as I tried to set up my work space. I told my host that I am going to take a shower and take a nap. She wished me to fun before she went to her room to do whatever. I placed my backpack on the bed. I took a deep breath before I pulled out my laptop and sent a few messages on the dark web to get the funding I needed. I called Jake and gave him the address to send my weapons. He said the weapons will be at my door shortly. I called my husband's burner phone so he won't worry. Tomorrow the hunt for the killer begins. DD quietly said good luck and happy hunting and he wished me luck as he was dropping Cheryl to school. I took a shower and stepped out to grab a bite to eat. Cleo was all over the place looking for her belongings as she was about to head out. I asked her if I could help her. She said that she has a system. She is fine. I searched the fridge and found nothing edible so I asked for directions for the groceries store or supermarket to get a few edible delights. She gave me a spare key and directions to the Superior Grocers. I gave her a wink and went back to my room and grabbed my sunglasses and a sanitary napkin. I stuffed it in my pocket and stepped out.
As I walked out the door I saw Henry was calmly reading the newspaper. A man sat down and asked him if he was enjoying the weather as much as me. He said that he is waiting for orders so he can deliver a few things. He is certain the neighbors will have questions so this creep should be ready. He recommended a place called ChrisNEddy's. The place had some decent smash burgers just like New York. He gave the guy directions and asked the guy to tell him who he is here for and which person directed him here. He said it was an anonymous tip on a tip line that was opened on the web chats. He said that he is here looking for all sorts of tech equipment. I made my husband swear not to tell anyone about my mission. He told the security that I am hunting a Pedophile while my ward was told that I am taking some personal time to recuperate since I am no longer a cop. Henry gave him a smile as he took his newspaper and got on the bus. I joined him and Henry. The new guy said something and he seemed offended but I ignored it as a rule. He got out after a few stops. I got out too. I waited by the corridor and watched him talk to a man in a wheelchair. I silently took his picture and sent it to Tanya. She said that she will put him on the suspect pool. She promised to monitor his entire existence.
Henry took his new friend to the burger joint and told him to wait while he gets him a duffel bag with all the necessary items that he had requested. I sat down to eat a triple decker all beef burger and their signature fries. Henry came with a backpack and a duffel bag filled with goodies. And he bought him extra burgers and wished him well as he head home to take care of my family. I followed him since I needed a sense of closure before I went off into the abyss. I followed them both by taxi. What's his name stopped at a seedy motel. Henry stopped at the train station and I took a cab. I stopped by the seedy motel and grabbed the stuff and took me to my new residence in less time than it did the first time and I carried my new found belongings upstairs. I heard arguing so I waited till the coast was clear. I snuck a peek and saw an old lady and her granddaughter yelling at one another before walking into their apartment. Once I heard the deadbolt I quietly glided to mine and got in before anyone else was seen roaming around.
When my host arrived at nine I gave her a burger, a whole load of fries and a soda. She asked me if I wanted anything stronger. I said that I prefer being sober. I adjusted my sleeves and she asked me about the scar on my neck. I ask her how she found out. She said that she saw it when she was about search my stuff. I told her it was from a psychopath that broke into my apartment. I was targeted because my ex-husband was a cop. He had made some enemies. This man wanted to leave a bloody message but he didn't know that my husband had lost any interest in me for sometime now. He was hooking up with some blonde bimbo. We got divorced and I moved out of the city. The woman gave me a knowing smile as she opened her soda can. She explained her husband's own infidelity. The messy divorce and the son's difficult childhood. I explained my children's medical history. She gave me a look, "This trip was long overdue dear. Don't worry we will find you someone." I grinned, "I found someone else and I have been married to him for quite some time. I am only here because I want to...." She waved me off. She said, "You're here to figure out if this guy is the one." I shook my head, "I am here because I put my ex-husband in prison for first degree murder and I want to clear my head." Her eyebrows disappeared into her fringe. She wanted details and I said that it is raw and I am not interested in rehashing this painful moment of my past. She gave me a pat on the shoulder and switched on the T.V. She watched comedy and I stared at the screen till boredom got to me.
I wished her goodnight and I went to sleep. I did mention that my current husband sent over the rest of the things he felt I was going to need. So I hauled it to my new room and she is welcome to search it if she wants. She asked me what was the stuff. I said, "Some cash, my tablet, a few novels, some extra clothes, shoes and feminine hygiene products." She raised an eyebrow and waved me off. I wished goodnight and I locked my door. I placed a thick towel on the floor by the base of door to make sure no light escapes. So as far as she was concerned I was sleeping. I switched my laptop on and found the chatroom on the dark web. I had forgotten my earbuds so I turned down the volume and used sign language while the others typed their response. Sharon said that she is sending me a brand new one by overnight mail. It should be there by morning. After a few others promised to send over a few other stuff. I said that I managed to get some classified documents. It turns out the victims were testifying against military officials.